Established in 1857, the Baltimore City Comptroller's Office is an independently elected office dedicated to fiscal oversight, transparency, and accountability. Through its various departments and its role on the Board of Estimates, the Office helps ensure the responsible management of City resources. Bill Henry has served as Baltimore City Comptroller since 2020.

Mission The mission of the Comptroller's Office is to encourage sound fiscal policy for the City, support the cost-efficient and effective delivery of City services, and promote the prudent management of City resources. This mission is accomplished through the performance of the Departments of Audits, Accounts Payable, Real Estate, Telecommunications, the Municipal Post Office and the Comptroller's Executive Office, which manages the day-to-day operations of the Board of Estimates including agenda drafting, review, analysis, and document retention.

Vision As a separate, independently elected part of the Executive Branch, the Baltimore City Office of the Comptroller provides support and direction to the city's fiscal and internal operations. The office promotes transparency and accountability in City government, while encouraging all City agencies to be as effective and efficient in their operations as possible.

Powers and Duties

The Comptroller's office was established under Article V by the City of Baltimore Charter, the office shall appoint, to aid in the discharge of the Comptroller's duties, a Deputy Comptroller and such other employees as provided in the Ordinance of Estimates. In case of temporary absence or disqualification of the Comptroller, the Deputy Comptroller shall, during such absence or disqualification from any cause, perform the duties of the Comptroller, including the Comptroller's duties as a member of the Board of Estimates, Board of Finance, Employee Retirement System Board, Board of Trustees for the Retirement Savings Plan, Fire & Police Employees' Retirement Systems Board, Board of the Baltimore Museum of Art, and Baltimore Hotel Corporation Board.

The general duties of the Comptroller shall:

Departments The Comptroller's Office houses six departments, five out of six departments The Comptroller is responsible for supervising.

Executive Office The Executive Office manages the day-to-day operations for the Board of Estimates. Responsibilities include agenda drafting, review, analysis, and document retention.

Department of Accounts Payable The Accounts Payable Department is responsible for managing the City's payments and disbursements, excluding payroll and debt-related expenses. The department works closely with agency fiscal offices to ensure vendors are paid accurately and on time while maintaining an efficient payment process.

Department of Audits The Department of Audits serves as the City's independent auditor, whose primary responsibility is promoting accountability and transparency through financial and performance audits. The department is also responsible for investigating fraud and misuse of city resources, reviewing contracts for compliance, and providing audit and advisory services to support effective government operations.

Municipal Postal Operations Municipal Postal Operations (MPO) is Baltimore City's central postal and logistics hub. This department is responsible for managing the secure and efficient movement of incoming, outgoing, and interagency mail and packages.

Department of Real Estate The Department of Real Estate manages Baltimore City's real estate assets and oversees the City's leasing needs. The department is responsible for handling property acquisitions, sales, leases, and licenses while maintaining transparency, efficiency, and quality service in all real estate transactions.

Department of Telecommunications The Department of Telecommunications provides communication services to Baltimore City agencies by managing VoIP systems, mobile devices, call center technology, and telecommunications billing. The department is also responsible for installing and maintaining telecommunication equipment, supporting major city call centers, and operating City Hall's call center to help residents connect with City agencies and elected officials.

Election and Term of Office The comptroller is elected by the citizens of Baltimore to a four-year term on Election Day in November, and takes office on:

The City Council, by a three-fourths vote of its members, may remove the Comptroller from office for:

In the event of a vacancy in the office of comptroller, which may be caused by death, resignation, or removal from office, a successor will be chosen to fill out the unexpired term and shall be elected by the Baltimore City Council by a majority vote of its members.

List of Comptrollers of Baltimore No.ImageNameTenureParty1Samuel MaccubbinFebruary 26, 1857 – July 9, 1876Democratic2Samuel S. Mills Jr.July 10, 1876 – July 17, 1876 (Acting)Democratic3Joshua VansantJuly 17, 1876 – April 8, 1884Democratic4James R. HornerApril 15, 1884 – January 27, 1896Democratic5Charles D. FenhagenJanuary 27, 1896 – May 16,1899Republican6James H. SmithMay 16, 1899 – May 19, 1903Democratic7George R. HeffnerMay 19, 1903 – June 1, 1907Democratic8Harry F. HooperJune 1, 1907 – May 16, 1911Democratic9James F. ThriftMay 16, 1911 – May 20, 1919Democratic10Peter E. TomeMay 20, 1919 – May 22, 1923Republican11Richard W. Graham Sr.May 22, 1923 – May 18, 1943Democratic12Howard E. CrookMay 18, 1943 – May 20, 1947Democratic13John N. McCardellMay 20, 1947 – May 17, 1955Democratic14Richard W. Graham Jr.May 17, 1955 – May 21, 1963Independent15Hyman A. PressmanMay 21, 1963 – December 3, 1991Democratic16Jacqueline F. McLeanDecember 3, 1991 – July 12, 1994Democratic17Shirley A. WilliamsDecember 21, 1993 – December 5, 1995Democratic18Joan M. PrattDecember 5 1995 – December 8, 2020Democratic19Bill HenryDecember 8, 2020 – presentDemocratic

Notes

References

External links

Official website of the Comptroller of Baltimore